The Nigerian film industry has over the years lost several of its talented actors and actresses to cancer, leaving behind memorable performances and a legacy that continues to live on among movie lovers.
The recent death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has once again drawn attention to the cancer battles faced by several Nigerian entertainers before their deaths.
Hassan died on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, days after his daughters revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage-four cancer and appealed for assistance with his treatment.
Below are 10 Nollywood stars who battled cancer before their deaths.
- Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan was one of the most respected figures in Nollywood, with a career spanning more than four decades.
Popularly known as Ogogo, he featured in several Yoruba and English-language productions, including Owo Blow, Omo Ghetto and Aníkúlápó.
His daughters revealed shortly before his death that he was battling stage-four cancer. The specific type of cancer was not publicly disclosed.
Hassan died on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66.
- Alexx Ekubo
Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40.
According to reports, he died at Evercare Hospital from complications associated with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Ekubo was known for his roles in movies including Weekend Getaway, Lagos Cougars, The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga and A Sunday Affair.
His illness was largely kept private until his death.
- Tom Njemanze
Veteran actor Tom Njemanze died in July 2025 at the age of 75 after battling prostate cancer.
Before his death, videos showing him receiving treatment in hospital circulated as colleagues and well-wishers appealed for financial assistance.
Njemanze was known for his performances in productions such as Issakaba, Osuofia in London, Pounds and Dollars, Brain Box and Twin Brothers.
- Stella Ikwuegbu
Veteran actress Stella Ikwuegbu died on June 16, 2024, following a battle with what colleagues described as leg cancer.
She was recognised for her frequent portrayal of motherly and elderly characters in Nollywood films and became a familiar face to audiences across Nigeria.
Her death was announced by movie producer Stanley Nwoko, who paid tribute to her contribution to the industry.
- Ethel Ekpe
Actress Ethel Ekpe died in February 2024 after battling cancer. The specific type of cancer she suffered was not publicly disclosed.
She became widely recognised for playing Segi in the popular television comedy series Basi and Company.
Ekpe also featured in productions including Forever, Sons of the Caliphate and Speak the Word.
- Karibi Fubara
Nollywood actor and producer Karibi Fubara died on December 15, 2021, following a battle with kidney cancer.
Fubara disclosed his diagnosis in 2020, revealing that doctors had discovered a large kidney tumour. He subsequently underwent surgery to remove about 90 per cent of the tumour.
Despite his treatment and recovery efforts, he later died from complications associated with the disease.
He featured in productions such as God Calling, Smart Money Woman, Castle and Castle and Quam’s Money.
- Sadiq Daba
Veteran actor and broadcaster Sadiq Daba died on March 3, 2021, after battling leukaemia and prostate cancer.
Daba received treatment both in Nigeria and abroad, with colleagues and members of the public supporting him financially during his health battle.
He became widely known for his role in the television series Cockcrow at Dawn and later earned acclaim for playing Inspector Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1. The performance earned him the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor.
- Doris Chima
Veteran actress Doris Chima died in August 2021 after battling breast cancer for more than six years.
Her death was confirmed by the Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Lagos State, Emeka Rising Ibe.
Chima appeared in several Nollywood productions during her career before her illness eventually kept her away from the screen.
- Ify Onwuemene
Actress Ifeyinwa Onwuemene, popularly known as Ify Onwuemene, died on May 25, 2021, after battling stage-four endometrial cancer.
According to reports, she underwent surgery and several rounds of chemotherapy during her treatment.
She became popular for playing the wife of Sam Loco Efe’s character in the television series Everyday People.
- Aisha Abimbola [Omoge Campus]
Yoruba actress Aisha Abimbola, popularly known as Omoge Campus, died in a Canadian hospital in May 2018 after battling breast cancer.
She rose to prominence following her appearance in the 2001 film Omoge Campus, which also became closely associated with her stage name.
Her death was another major loss to the Yoruba film industry and Nigerian entertainment community.
11. Atinuke Remilekun Kareem
Nollywood actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem, popularly known as Atinuke Kareem, died in September 2026 after battling breast cancer.
The actress was reportedly receiving treatment for the disease before her death. Her health struggle drew attention within the Yoruba movie industry, with colleagues and well-wishers expressing concern and offering support during her treatment.
Kareem’s death added to the recent losses suffered by Nollywood, coming at a time when the industry was mourning several other actors who had battled serious illnesses.
The deaths of these actors and actresses have continued to remind Nigerians of the devastating impact of cancer and the importance of early detection, access to treatment and support for people living with the disease.
Beyond their health struggles, the entertainers left behind memorable performances that continue to keep their names alive among generations of Nollywood viewers.
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